Two Barrel Miquelet Pistol... Ripoll?

[dana_w]

This is a two barrel Miquelet pistol. It seems to be of a style made for export in Ripoll Spain during the late 17th to early 18th century (see Lavin page 233). It has a ramrod thimble with a wooden ramrod. The side plate has a serpentine shaped belt hook. The stock's handle and butt have engraved iron inlays with a foliage pattern. The barrels are two stage, octagonal at the breach, then transitioning to round, with filed rings. The top barrel's breach is more rounded and has chiseled decorative patterns. The barrels are retained by rings at the muzzle. The rings are attached to the stock. There is a gold stamp on the top barrel tang, but it is indecipherable. The lock bridles are flat with a chiseled foliage patterns. The battery has a replaceable face. (see Lavin 160). The firing pan as a removable bottom which is locked in place when the frizzen is closed. Sliding this bottom piece out reveals a second firing pan chamber and the touch hole for the bottom barrel.

The overall dimensions of the pistol are approximately 8 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches. It weighs 1 pound and 1 ounce. The diameter of the barrels is approximately ½ inch, with the top barrel being sightly smaller than the bottom one.

** All photos copyright (c) 2012 Dana K. Williams **

[fernando]

A truly magnificent pistol ... whether Ripoll or not .
Rather interesting bottom barrel firing system,
I wouldn't mind to have it ... at all

[dana_w]

Thanks Fernando!